Thinking Religion: Recent Episodes
Sam Harrelson
Thinking Religion is a podcast hosted by Rev. Sam Harrelson tackling various topics that deal with the intersection of religion, the Bible, devotionals, and culture.
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss things we pass down and the best way to sign off.
Links:
- Karas Kustoms
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the term "partners" in its modern context and whether or not it is performative for certain couples. That leads to a discussion about the role of social media in our lives if we could, in fact, delete Facebook.
Links:
- Discord - Free Voice and Text Chat for Gamers
- Urban Dictionary: partner
- F.B.(FluffBusting)Purity - Chrome Web Store
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Samuel Harrelson discuss The Great Social Media Reckoning of 2018, broadcast media vs social media, why you need a website (and why your church needs a GOOD website), and the importance of bringing it all back home.
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss boys' weekends, gender assumptions, the Documentary Hypothesis, the historicity of the Gospels, and Justice850.
Links:
- Ezer Uncaged Podcast by Ezer Uncaged on Apple Podcasts
- Documentary hypothesis - Wikipedia
- Justice850 | A faith-based group of individuals committed to advocating for justice in our community
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the fierce urgency of now, and why the church should be the gadflies of tension in a time of transition.
Links:
- Georgia Passes Bill That Stings Delta Over N.R.A. Position - The New York Times
- Kroger to Stop Selling Guns to Buyers Under 21 - WSJ
- Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.] — First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate.<!--
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Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss British trivia shows, the concept of literacy in the ancient world, what accent Jesus might have had, and whether we now have historical proof of the prophet Isaiah.
Links:
- QI : Quite Interesting
- What language did Jesus speak? Was he illiterate?
- Isaiah’s Signature Uncovered in Jerusalem - Biblical Archaeology Society
Dr. Thomas Whitely and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss wearing Clerical Collars every day, our country's normalized hermeneutic of violence, and a new podcast.
Links:
- Our Moloch | by Garry Wills | NYR Daily | The New York Review of Books
- Amazon.com: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Tee: Sports & Outdoors
- Geek Testament
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss beards, Life on Mars, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's hiring policy (and past, present, future).
Links:
- Elon Musk shares the epic last photo of 'Starman' in the red Tesla he shot into space
- PERSONAS – Illumination Project
- CBF moderator says proposed LGBTQ hiring policy m
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss toxic masculinity and compare Trump with Jesus, Apple's woes, and voice assistants.
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and The Rev. Samuel B. Harrelson play HQ Trivia and go to The Good Place to discuss Squab Goals.
“My name is Kierkegaard and my writing is impeccable. Check out my teleological suspension of the ethical.”
Links:
- Megan Amram on Twitter: "here's an abridged version of the full list of food puns i turned in with my first draft of tonight's #TheGoodPlace episode… https://t.co/7WVFZDd8Fs"
- HQ - Live Trivia Game Show on the App Store
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss quantum hacks, the evolution of reality TV and its impact on our Gen X lives, and why 2020 will be a different political landscape than 2016.
Links:
- Thinking Religion is creating Podcasts | Patreon
- Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
- Explaining Meltdown with parallel worlds, libraries, and a bank heist - The Verge
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the Bomb Cyclone, The Myth of Progress, The Apotheosis of Captain Cook, Lectionaries and conflating Gospels, and the need for a new political dialogue in our country.
Links:
- How "Natives" Think: About Captain Cook, For Example, Sahlins
- The Apotheosis of Captain Cook: European Mythmaking in the Pacific: Gananath Obeyesekere: 9780691057521: Amazon.com: Books
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss nativity scenes, bad Christmas songs, Epiphany, the War on Christmas, and bad Apple (batteries).
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Links:
- John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - YouTube
- The Christmas Shoes - YouTube
- John Denver: Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas - YouTube
- Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time - YouTube <
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined by The Rev. Lauren E. Larkin, Prof. W. Travis McMaken ("McBacon"), and The Rev. Merianna Neely Harrelson in an extravaganza of epic proportions. They discuss Clash of the Titans, why you should write a book, gendered religious language, Ancient Aliens, Alex Jones, flogging, and hate watching the world burn.
Special Guests: Lauren R.E. Larkin, Merianna Neely Harrelson, and W. Travis McMaken.
Links:
- Our God Loves Justice: An Introduction to Helmut Gollwitzer | Fortress Press
- DET — W. Travis McMaken
Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the #metoo Revolution, amplifying voices, and whether anything is worth trading your integrity.
Links:
- TIME Person of the Year 2017: The Silence Breakers | Time.com
- A pastor's #MeToo story | The Christian Century
- God’s Plan for Mike Pence - The Atlantic
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Black Friday, gaming, moral questions, Evangelical strawmen, and complicity.
Links:
- Why It’s Justified To Vote For A Morally Questionable Politician
- Southern Baptists have lost a million members in 10 years – Baptist News Global
- The End of the Social Era Ca
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined by Prof. Chris Frilingos to discuss his book "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Family Trouble in the Infancy Gospels" and why the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and Proto-Gospel of James are so important for contemporary audiences.
Special Guest: Christopher A. Frilingos.
Links:
- Jesus, Mary, and Joseph | Christopher A. Frilingos
- Amazon: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Family Trouble in the Infancy Gospels — When Jesus was five he killed a boy, or so reports the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. A little boy had run into Jesus by accident, bumping him on the shoulder, and Jesus took offense: "Jesus was angry a
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson watch election returns together and discuss the impact of our choices and the role of our national patience.
Sam is joined by The Rev. Merianna Neely Harrelson to discuss beards, doubt, faith, securing your spot in The Good Place or The Bad Place, ethics and eschatology, rededicating your life, and salvation bracelets.
Special Guest: Merianna Neely Harrelson.
Links:
- Merianna Neely Harrelson - Pastor and publisher
- New Hope Christian Fellowship
- Academy of Faith and Leadership - Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Belinda Carlisle - Heaven Is A Place On Earth - YouTube
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the iPhone X, Airpods and Mods, prepping for the coming apocalypses, Heaven's Gate, and the theologies of nativism.
Links:
- MOD TABLET 4 – thisisground
- iPhone X preorders: the best way to buy Apple’s newest phone - The Verge
- Google responds to Pixel 2 XL screen burn-in and color concerns with upcoming softw
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss anniversaries and birthdays in the Facebook age, whether the Vikings referenced Allah in their gear, and why "The Dark Ages" is such a troublesome concept (and why we're currently in the midst of The Digital Dark Age).
Links:
- Sam Harrelson on Instagram: “It's here (no, I'm not going to do a dorky unboxing video...maybe)!” • Instagram
- Debunking Viral Story, Art Historian Says 'Allah' Does Not Appear on Ancient Viking Garment | artnet News
Love of books, Kindle vs hardbacks, home ownership, hell, sex, generational divides, and epistemology
Links:
- Amazon.com: Jeffrey Burton Russell: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
- George Michael - I Want Your Sex - YouTube
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson talk about phone problems and promises, growing up, and the finale of the First Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge Extravaganza.
Podium Winners:
Gold: Mark
Silver: Matthew
Bronze: 1 Samuel
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined again by David Ray Allen Jr. to cover the Final Four of the Bible Bracket Challenge. It gets bloody this week.
Special Guest: David Ray Allen Jr..
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive in major mil
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson compare their phones' home screens, discuss the relevance of Facebook to political campaigns, and continue the very contentious Bible Bracket Challenge Elite 8 Round to decide the Final Four. It's on.
Links:
- Thinking Religion is creating Podcasts | Patreon
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- Facebook agrees to release Russian-purchased ads, pledges deeper look at 2016 election - POLITICO<
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss new iPhones, playing the expectations game, and how mobile devices have transformed learning and worshipping. Then, they launch into the "Sweet 16" of the Bible Brackets Challenge. Sorry, Esther.
Links:
- Thinking Religion is creating Podcasts | Patreon
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- iPhone X vs. iPhone 8: how to pick between them - The Verge
The Rev. Lauren Larkin joins Dr. Thomas Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson in a discussion of how hermeneutics and worldviews affect our theologies and what sort of spaces we try to build.
Special Guest: Lauren R.E. Larkin.
Links:
- lauren r.e. larkin (@laurenrelarkin) | Twitter
- Lust: Exposed, Forgiven and Embraced
- Between the World and Me: Ta-Nehisi Coates: 9780451482211: Amazon.com: Books
- Home - Ezer Uncaged
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined by David Ray Allen to discuss football schedules and the third round of the Bible Bracket Challenge to determine which book is the "best" book in the Bible and which book is the "Michigan" book in the Bible.
Special Guest: David Ray Allen Jr..
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the uncomfortableness of whataboutism and its interplay with American Christianity and continue the Bible Bracket Challenge semifinals.
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- Instacart
- Whataboutism - RationalWiki
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the benefit of doubting Trump's America, Evangelicals carrying water for Trump, whether Joshua is a good book to include in the Bible, and why Jude deserves some reconsideration.
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
Gospel of Mary? Bel and the Dragon? The Apocryphon of John? Two Corinthians? Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined again by David Ray Allen to cover the second round of the Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge and give a great overview of biblical books you might not have read in a while.
Special Guest: David Ray Allen Jr..
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- Urban Dictionary: Belieber
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the concept of hermeneutics and continue their ongoing quest to decide the best book in the Bible from the Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge.
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined again by David Ray Allen Jr. to cover the next round of the Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge... with a few surprises this week!
Special Guest: David Ray Allen Jr..
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge
- Esther - Wikipedia
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson are joined by David Allen Jr., a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina, to cover the first few matches of the Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge. David brings his own unique understanding of sports to help Thomas and Sam make the tough calls that must be made.
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- David Ray Allen (@davidrallenjr) | Twitter
- David Allen, Jr. | Be passers
Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the upcoming Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge (starts next week!), generational views on gay marriage, and whether the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice.
Sponsored By:
- Sam Harrelson Consulting: Get a free estimate for your church or nonprofit's website redesign or social media campaign from the experts at Sam Harrelson Consulting this summer. Promo Code: Hermeneutics
Links:
- Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge - Challonge — The first annual Thinking Religion Bible Brackets Challenge... which text from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Pseudepigrapha, or Apocrypha (or kinda sorta associated with what we've received in the
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson break down the problem with Paul's authorship of Colossians and Ephesians, head shaving, Gospel forgery, Matthew and the Q Community, the Gospel of Thomas, and infancy gospels.
Links:
- Bryson Smith on Twitter: "Could any of my fellow religion nerds take a stab at what the phrase "all things" in Colossians 1:15-20 is referring to??? #unrelatedness"
- Epistle to the Colossians - Wikipedia
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Wonder Woman's mythology, new Twitter, and whether you should "Friend" your Pastor on Facebook... or even pay them.
Links:
- Wonder Woman (2017) - Rotten Tomatoes
- (SPOILERS) 15 Crazy Little Details In "Wonder Woman" You 100% Missed
- Ladies, I Know We're All Wonder Woman, But Don't Put Swords Down Your Dresses
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Trump's faith statements and relationships with Evangelicals (and the how things change all of sudden).
Links:
- God and the Don - CNN.com — "I did very, very well with evangelicals in the polls," Trump interjected in the middle of the conversation -- previously unreported comments that were described to me by both pastors.
They gently reminded Trump that neither of them was an evangelical.
"Well, what are you then?" Trump asked.
They explained they were mainline Protestants, the same Christian tradition in which Trump, a self-described Presbyterian, was raised and claims membership. Like many mainline pastors, they told the President-elect, they lead diverse congregations.
Trump nodded along, then posed another question to the two men: "But you're all Christians
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss that sickening feeling you get when you realize that adults are all just faking it.
Links:
- Trump’s biggest conservative opponents all love the same theologian
- Google I/O 2017: what to expect from the big developer conference - The Verge
- Family Guy - Peter Griffin drinks from fire hose - YouTube
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the death of the Old Testament and whether biblical literacy matters to contemporary Christians and cultures.
Links:
- Rob Bell takes back the Bible | Religion News Service
- Huffduffer
- Brent Strawn – The Old Testament is Dying — OnScript — Overcast
Thomas and Sam debate renewing Evernote Premium and discuss Donald Trump's Christianity, Evangelical logic, and whether Generation Z is growing up in a "Post-Christian" America.
Links:
- David Lewis on Twitter: "@samharrelson What is Christian (or in sync with the teaching of Jesus) about @realDonaldTrump's lifestyle or policies?"
- Clinton: 'If the election had been on October 27, I would be your president' - CNNPolitics.com
Thomas and Sam discuss life changes, beard growth, corporate philosophy officers, existentialism 2.0, and whether the Canon should remain closed or be thrown open.
Links:
- Cremo Beard & Scruff Softener, Astonishingly Superior 30 Second Beard Softener, 4 Ounce Bottle : Beauty
- Thinking.FM
- The Minister and The Mystic Episode 1: The Reveal
- Harrelson Agency
Thomas and Sam discuss generational gaps in worldviews and the God-shaped hole at the heart of current American culture.
Links:
- What Would Jesus Disrupt? - Bloomberg
- OnFaith: Crossing The Faith Divide, With Technology, Explained
- Coming Out Christian in the Roman World: How the Followers of Jesus Made a Place in Caesar’s Empire: Douglas Ryan Boin: Bloomsb
Thomas and Sam discuss the importance of Easter and whether Pastors should be dressing up like the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus or letting the Wise Men into the party before January 6.
Links:
- The Lighthouse Mission News: astor Jim & Enrique dress up as Jesus & the Easter Bunny & teach the children that Easter has nothing to so with a bunny but EVERYTHING about Jesus!
- Sean Spicer Worked As An Easter Bunny
Thomas and Sam discuss the Billy Graham Rule, flipping coasters and dominance.
Links:
- Where Did the “Billy Graham Rule” Come From? | TGC
- The religious reasons Mike Pence won’t eat alone with women don’t add up - The Washington Post
- Ali Segel on Twitter: "This
Thomas and Sam discuss the persistence of memories, Evernote, device agnosticism, web automation services and whether the Karl Barth Chatbot will take off in the near-future.
Links:
- Simon & Garfunkel - The Sounds of Silence (Audio) - YouTube — People talking without speaking, People hearing without listening, People writing songs that voices never share And no one dared Disturb the sound of silence.
- Tech Dopp Kit 2 – thisisground — The Tech Dopp Kit 2 is a premium leather travel zip-up organizer with designated spots for all of your tech/technical gear. Its inspiration is half bento box, half traditional dopp kit—a 20th century-style travel bag with neatly arrange
Thomas and Sam celebrate 100 episodes and discuss Thomas' bent towards Process Theology.
Show Notes:
- Knick Knack 2 | This Is Ground
- Bullet Journal
- Follow Up: Pacifism and Karl Barth | W. Travis McMaken
- Spiritual Abuse | Merianna Neely Harrelson
- Molly Worthen on Christianity in American History | Road to Now
Thomas and Sam discuss Just War Theory, Karl Barth and where we go from here.
Show Notes: * Jewish cemetery vandalized in New York, third case in two weeks | Reuters * Hate Map | SPLC * Four Mosques Have Burned in Seven Weeks – Leaving Many Muslims and Advocates Stunned | BuzzFeed * Pence used personal email for state business – a
Thomas and Sam discuss what makes things great. Again.
Show Notes: * The Religion of Donald Trump | Chicago Tribune * Bill would make Bible state book in West Virginia | Herald-Dispatch * Drop in teenage suicide attempts linked to legalization of same-sex marriage | Guardian *
Show Notes: * Trump Gave a Doozy of a Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast | Washington Post * Leaked Draft of Trump’s Religious Freedom Order Reveals Sweeping Plans to Legalize Discrimination | The Nation * Free Speech | XKCD * Amer
Thomas and Sam discuss Google Voice, Alexa, Evernote, and how the Democratic Party has failed voters but especially the next generation of public officials (and what we can do about it).
- Google Voice!!!!1! | The Verge
Thomas and Sam debate the social implications of protests and political actions in the new America.
The post Thinking Religion 95: There’s Always a Drum Circle appeared first on Thinking.FM.
Thomas and Sam discuss the upcoming inauguration of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States, and what that means for the country’s religious landscape.
- How Trump is Paving the Way for a Revival of the ‘Religious Left’ | Washington Post
- Indivisible
- re:act
- The Crisis of Liberalism, Part II: All Policy, No Power | LARB
Thomas and Sam kick off the 2017 season of Thinking Religion.
- New Years Resolutions
- Try a New Years Revolution | NY Times
- On Giving Donald Trump a Chance | Marginalia
- Sam’s January 1 “sermon”: “I think I realize now that the author chose to include the massacre of the infants in the nativity story of Jesus to establish not only Jesus’ claims to being the Messiah or to connect Jesus with Moses and the Exodus, but also to plant the seed that Jesu
Thomas and Sam discuss new Macbooks and the problem with trying to count your followers in relation to your success.
The post Thinking Religion 92: Apostles, Disciples, and Facebook Live Viewers appeared first on Thinking.FM.
In which Thomas and Sam discuss Bob Dylan and Evangelicals.
The post Thinking Religion 91: Let’s Talk About Bob Dylan and Evanglicals appeared first on Thinking.FM.
Thomas and Sam discuss titles, office spaces, new jobs, being unplugged from the hive mind during the work day, and everyday carries (along with some deep philosophical ideas you’ll have to stick around for).
- FSU Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards
- AgFirst
- Farm Credit
- Mod Tablet 3 | ThisIsGround
The post Thinking Religion: No Bread, No Bag, No Money appeared first on Thinking.FM.
Thomas and Sam discuss pants, button down collar dress shirts, briefcases, leather goods, and the role of religion in political rhetoric.
- Levi 541
- Hi
“But I thought you were a superhero?” Elisabeth and Merianna talk about that moment when someone you know discovers that you have flaws and how that impacts your relationship. This is why it is important to make sure your characters have flaws as well. Even superheroes have their kryptonite.
Show Notes
Thomas and Sam, along with guest host Roshan Abraham, discuss Jonah’s presumptive bisexuality, Classics’ past present and future, Ephesus as the ancient 4chan, roles of the public intellectual, autobiographical memories, textuality, authority, and Bernie vs. Hillary sexism.
- Apollonius of Tyana
“But that could never happen!” Elisabeth and Merianna talk about world building, especially in regards to changing technology. What should you include? What will make your story seem outdated and irrelevant? How do some authors get away with having outdated technology, but still have avid readers?
Show Notes
Most Christians are Republicans and a few liberal ones are Democrats (or something like that). That’s been the conventional thinking for the past few decades, especially with the rise of the Moral Majority and Evangelical movement going back to the late 60’s and early 70’s. However, the election of 2016 is pointing to a possible shift in perception of this old adage. Are we seeing a role reversal where the Democratic Party becomes the party of patriotism, American Exceptionalism, and faith while the Republican Party becomes the party of angst, cynicism, and Russian influence? We discuss the last two weeks of both parties’ conventions and why that role reversal might just be the case.
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Thinking Baptists
Merianna and Sam discuss the notion of hospitality and how various churches welcome (or don’t) visitors and strangers into their worship services.
The post Thinking Baptists 21: Welcoming Visitors to Your Church appeared first on Thinking.FM.
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about moving your draft from the splatter paint on the canvas, letting the words fly off your fingertips to a manuscript with purposeful meaningful words. Words matter. Choose them carefully, especially if you are staff writer for a presidential candidate.
Show Notes * Plagiarism | USA Today<
This week, Thomas and Sam discuss how to use social media effectively, why you shouldn’t invoke God when comparing others to Lucifer, and ways to save money on all of your internet subscription services.
Subscribe to the Thinking Religion Newsletter Delivered every Friday and full of all the stuff we didn’t have time to cover on the show plus a few extra tidbits from around the web. Show Notes *
Thomas and Sam are joined by Merianna Neely Harrelson to talk about True Love Waits, Kissing Dating Goodbye, Promise Rings, and all the interesting parts of Evangelical Christian culture of the ’90’s (and how much of that is being reexamined)… and why Sam still calls himself an Evangelical.
Subscribe to the Thinking Religion Newsletter Delivered every Friday and full of all the stuff we didn’t have time to cover on the show plus a few extra tidbits from around the web. Show Notes *
Merianna and Sam talk about how communities of faith create a sense of belonging and what happens when the community encounters a crisis of faith. Do you stay? Do you leave?
Show Notes * If Pokemon Go Feels Like a Religion That’s Because it Kind of Is | BNG *
In which Mary Hudson (8 years old) blows our minds by sharing how she published her first play, Germ Play. Elisabeth and Merianna ask Mary Hudson how the inspiration for the play came to her and inspiration in general. They also discuss the concept of finding the corners of their own manuscripts and how that provides parameters allowing them to put the rest of the pieces together.
Show Notes
- Two New Harry Potter Movie
Thomas and Sam discuss their iPhone homescreens, favorite apps, the complexity of generational eschatological expectations, and Christian dating apps.
Show Notes * OmniFocus * Why I Ditched Evernote for Apple Notes and You Can Too | David Pogue * When is a star more than a star? | Religion News *
The Revs Merianna Neely Harrelson and Sam Harrelson describe the benefits and challenges of congregational polity, notes, the digital dark age, and recording what matters.
Show Notes
- Considering the Lilies and Hard Conversations
- Why I’m Still Baptist
- Contemplative Baptists
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about those moments when you meet people in real life that you’ve had social media conversations and interactions and what it feels like to be recognized. They talk about their trips and the power of belonging to a community where you can say who you are and truly be yourself. But how do you overcome conference hangover? And how do you turn a conference experience into a community of supporters?
Show Notes * Utopia * Emotional Intelligence * Camp Nano * Big Magic * Just Write the Damned Book * I Want It That Way
What are Elisabeth and Meria
The Revs. Merianna Neely Harrelson and Sam Harrelson reboot Thinking Baptists with a new episode for the first time in four years. They do a recap of Merianna’s ministerial journey as well as follow up to the last episode of the show with a discussion about women in baptist ministry in 2016. They also cover the topic of pastor search committees, and why the economy isn’t doing young ministers any favors when it comes to finding pastor positions.
Show Notes * Escaping Drywall | YouTube * The Reverend
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and The Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Sam’s use of iPad Pro as his main computer, Evernote, and the privilege of knowing how to read.
Show Notes * Thinking.FM on Patreon * Thinking Religion Facebook Group for show discussions and links * Changes to Evernote’s Pricing Plans | Evernote * Scrivener * Sumnotes * iPad Pro * Working on the iPad: Still My Favorite Computer | MacStories *
Lisa Picarille, Jim Kukral, Shawn Collins, and Sam Harrelson reunite for an episode of Cast of Geeks. This month, they discuss the future(s) of affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, engagement and Facebook Pages, the rise of messaging, Amazon’s Kindle Store policies, and whether or not augmented reality will catch on with the general public.
- Meet Amy | x.ai
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Big Macs, livestreaming, bastardized religion, and tiny apocalypses.
Show Notes * McDonald’s Best Sandwiches | Thrillist * Dem Sit-In | TechMeme * Photo of Trump, Falwell Jr. beside Playboy cover raises holy heck | McCla
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about fighting the imposter monster, reader’s theaters about germs, and exciting upcoming conference. They debate how to know if you are truly doing what you should be doing. If you’re scared of it, it’s probably what you should do.
- The Giving Tree
- Screen Time for Kids
- Food Safety Music – Microbes Medley – Animation
- We Are the Microbes
- Muggie Maggie
- Beverly Clearly
- Eli
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley, Rev. Sam Harrelson, and Chad Gardner discuss cultural gnosticism.
Show Notes * Chad on Twitter * Let’s Have a Better Culture War | NYT *
Dr. Thomas J. Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the gender politics of Sam’s new personal assistant, language as a power mechanism, a listener question about Paul’s Gospel, and what in the world The Donald is thinking.
Show Notes * Meet Amy | x.ai * x.ai on Product Hunt *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the world of podcasting as self-publishing and how Serial has introduced a format of audio stories that might just bring back storytelling as an artform. Could we be returning to an oral storytelling-centered culture? How will oral storytelling change how we write, read, and listen to works?
Show Notes: * Piracy link from my client Nely Cab; Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 * Kristen Bell reading Veronica Mars novels * Acts of Bravery (My story is in this
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss conference outfits and gear, “Uber Boomers,” Thomas’ new leather good, and the need for female leadership in a male dominated society.
- NAPS
- Carrie S
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the changing dynamics of choosing books and hearing recommendations. How will Merianna’s 8 year old and almost 6 year old read books? Will they go to a store and ask an attendant or will their Netflix-recommended-minds determine how they choose what to read, too?
Show Notes: * Community Supported Agriculture * Hello Fresh
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about writer identities. Are you a plotter or a pantser or perhaps a plantser (like most of us)? They talk about overcoming imposter syndrome and how there is not one way to become a writer. They steal from Dr. Whitley’s great wisdom and conclude association does not mean causation.
Show Notes: * The Perfect Medium Post
This week, Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the cloud, smaller phones, homoeroticism in the Bible, the Jerusalem Church and Paul, and why social media is not making us pick or choose our beliefs.
Mentioned: * Evernote was down today * iPhone SE *
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss figuring out email workflows, whether woman should be ordained as deacons in the Roman Catholic Church, and the United Methodist Church’s current debate over LBTQi and wider cultures.
Mentioned: * iPad Pro is Better Than a Laptop | Macworld * Convoluted way to get native Google mail and calendars on iOS * Evernote * GoodNotes * PDF Expert *
How do you know when you have a draft and when you have a manuscript ready to shop to publishers, especially in a time when you can publish anything that’s in the writing process? You can’t get to the point where you want your draft to be a book so badly that you skip the important work of revision. If it’s not ready it’s not ready. You have to keep writing to the end. And some conversation about the Hugo Awards.
Show Notes: * Porn Author Dragged into Puppygate * Trolling Puppies *
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson are back this week (fresh from Dr. Whitley’s graduation) to talk about Evernote, iPads, Apple’s lineup, their favorite bags and pens, Justin Timberlake’s new song of the summer, #JesusSoWhite, taco bowls, and chest hair.
Mentioned: * Thomas’ New Briefcase | Satchel and Page * Nutsac Man Bag, Dammit *
Do I really have to write THAT story? Elisabeth and Merianna talk about how to write the tough parts of the story and how to recover after you write about difficult subject matters. They also talk about trashing the dress and leaving stories floating in the cosmos for other writers to capture.
Show Notes * The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt * The Verve * Indigo Girls * Primitive Radio Gods * Ellie Kemper * Trash the Dress * Copper Sun * The Color Purple * Their Eyes Were Watching God
“Elisabeth”and “Merianna” talk about head hopping, naming characters, and feminism. They also talk finally, finally about the ending of Allegiant and what Veronica Roth is working on now.
- The reasons you were not promoted that are totally unrelated to gender | McSweeneys
- A Conversation with Whales | NY Times
- Spartanburg Humane Society
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson talk about The Rains Down in Africa, cultural adoption, gender identities, and the supersessionism of “The American Dream.”
Mentioned: * Thinking.FM is a Launch Partner on Google Play Music Podcasts *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about what to do when opportunities get dropped in your lap, the dangers of comparing yourself to other people, and who to listen to. Ray Bradbury said, “jump off the cliff and learn how to make wings on the way down.” So, why not jump?
Mentioned: * Elizabeth Gilbert how to say yes that, not this * Blood Orange Tangerine *
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson talk about soup, signal cues, sex demons, and how a Trump Standard Version of the Bible (TSV) would translate passages. There’s also a BeardCast segment at the end for Friends Of The Show.
Mentioned: * Ted Cruz Buys 100 Cans of Soup | Slate *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the art of writing and the powerful way writing can impact people’s lives. Why are you scared to share your story? There’s someone out there who needs to read it. Start introducing yourself!
Mentioned: * Camp Nano * Poor Writing Skills Are Costing Business Billions * Computer Writes Novels * Her * Writers on Writing * You Have Permission to Suck
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the future of medium sized churches, marketing to millennials, and the role of self-selecting in our identity formations.
Mentioned: * Lotteries: America’s Shame | The Atlantic * <
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss marketing yourself and finding jobs in bleak and uncertain times.
Mentioned:
- Podcast Method | 5by5
Are you stuck in the transitional phase where you can see yourself as an author? Elisabeth talks about the exciting news regarding her book and progress in the revision process. They also talk about the dangers that exist for people trying to publish in the form of vanity publishers and how to steer clear of scams.
Mentioned: * Vanity Publishers Recognizing Scams * Camp Nano: * Self Publisher Showcase * Predictors and editors * You have permission to suck * Beverly Cleary turns 100 *
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the how apocalyptic religious movements become religions, insider and outsider language, the uniqueness of christianities, their ongoing personal revelations about privilege, and the intertextuality of Trump.
Mentioned: * David Koresh | Wikipedia * Prof. Elizabeth A. Clarke | Amazon
How many writing projects are you working on? Elisabeth and Merianna talk about their joint writing project, individual projects, and ghost writing projects and how to keep them all going at the same time. They also ask the question, “Can you make it as a loner writer?” No!
So, join Elisabeth and Merianna for the first ever Thinking Out Loud Writers’ Conference.
Mentioned: * Camp NanoWrimo * Yours, Mine, and Ours * What is Ghost Writing? * NanoRhino
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the religion of college football, Rip and Dip vs Common Cup vs Shot Glasses, Rubio’s odd theological farewell speech, the power of professing God’s Will, and why the Republican Party enabled Trump.
Mentioned: * “You’ve Got to Scalp ‘Em” | FSU Fight Song *
Will I be able to afford groceries this month? Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the peaks and valleys of the publishing and writing world and how it’s hard to predict what each month or each day is going to look like. How exciting!
Show Notes: * Kiwi Bird * George Martin * Toni Morrison * Banned Books * Editorial Freelance Association * Camp NaNoWriMo
W
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss messaging apps and the future of the web, how Acts 2 connects with presidential debates, Trump’s nativism, world religion and acts of classification, and star bellied sneetches.
Mentioned:
- Sam’s new phone
- Gl
Can you trust book reviews? Are they all paid for by authors looking for five stars? Elisabeth and Merianna talk about where to find their next book to read and what sources you can trust and what sources you can’t.
Join the Thinking Out Loud Book Exchange (and get awesome books in the mail!): [contact-form]
Show Notes: * Foot Pedal Transcriber * LA Review of Books * Sword and Laser * Marginalia * Chicago Review of Books *
Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Thomas’ Class on Sex, Hillary Clinton as the modern Thecla, sermons on sexuality, questions of identity and why we get attracted to the things we do, and a
Elisabeth talks about how she might want to hide in the shadows because she’s not ready to be considered a writer but the really amazing things that happen when you do finally step into the light. You have to be who are you without wanting the affirmation of other people or fulfilling contrived notions of beauty standards. Be true to yourself and to the other people living in this cosmos with you.
Sign up for the Thinking Out Loud Book Exchange! [contact-form]<!--
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Dr. Thomas Whitley and Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss Dan’s White Vans, the new Thinking Religion schwag giveaway, Syriac Valentine poems, new pens, Trump as Cyrus the Great, a Trump presidency, evangelical mono cultures, Monty Python’s take on Jesus, and the Last Temptation of Christ.
Elisabeth and Merianna celebrate their 100 episode! They relive how it all started and all their best soapbox speeches and conclude if you are adding your voice to the mix, don’t just be a part of the chorus. Stand out!
Sign up for the Thinking Out Loud Book Exchange!
[contact-form]
Show Notes:<
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the power of false climaxes to turn a plot and making your characters more interesting. They also cover the importance of soul feeding as you transform from writer to author, and the importance of sticking to your draft while saying all the words (and not taking short cuts).
Next week is the big 100th episode!
Show Notes: *
Thomas is now Dr. Whitley, Sam is too old to understand the Grammys, Thomas does an on-air unboxing of This Is Ground’s Mystery Box<
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the importance of developing a personal brand as well as a professional brand. They talk about public profiles and David Bowie as well as upcoming projects. Of course they talk about the upcoming Episode 100!
Show Notes: * Book Architecture * Writer’s Digest * Writing Excuse Podcast * 25 Hard Facts about Writing and Publishing
What are Elisabeth and Merianna reading?
This week, Thomas and Sam discuss the live streaming of life and debates, the Trump Red Zone™, Presidential endorsements by leading religious figures, the myth of evangelicalism, and performativity in public religion.
- The Loss of Solitary Exploration | Sam Harrelson
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the use of said in a manuscript and how it can’t be overused. They talk about other bad writing advice that writers take to heart and winter weather and good books.
Show Notes: * Are You Overusing Said? * Debunking Writing Myths *
This week, Thomas and Sam discuss their favorite bags to carry their everyday items, what’s wrong with college admissions, Two Corinthians, Climate Change, Dura Europos, and the intentions of heavily armed angry white men.
Show Notes: * ThisIsGround Mod Tablet 2 * Sam’s Maxpedition Case *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the deaths this week of some great creative geniuses and how it impacts them. They also talk about inspiration in artists and characters and how true great artists teach us something about ourselves.
Show Notes: * David Bowie *
This week, Thomas and Sam discuss some of their New Year’s Resolutions (and how they are holding up), tonight’s Republican Debate in North Charleston, and how early christianities developed orthodox beliefs and creeds from the contentious arguments over the nature of their faith.
Show Notes: * Republican Debate Tonight – 9pm, North Charleston, SC
Thomas and Sam discuss the demise of Evernote but their renewed use, why app stores are the new platform, their love of This Is Ground products, and how Christians should and could deal with violence.
Show Notes: * Lame-O | Urban Dictionary *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about their New Year’s Resolutions including reading, writing and personal challenges. They also talk about how far they have come since they first started podcasting and some exciting plans for 2016!
Show Notes: * 10 Best Workout
Thomas and Sam discuss the past year of Thinking Religion, add some new commentary, and talk about what’s next in 2016 for the podcast.
Show Notes:
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about when your writing is ready to reveal to someone else. They talk about the danger of releasing it too soon when you haven’t had enough time to mold it and shape it. They also discuss that if you put your writing out there too soon, then it’s going to impact the writing itself.
Show Notes: * Cirque Du Soleil * Star Wars Force Awakens * Jaws * Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft * 3 Pillars of Reading
What are Elisabeth
This week, Thomas Whitley and Sam Harrelson examine the When / Where / Why of the Nativity and discuss historical accuracies of the stories as we’ve interpreted them in our present culture.
Show Notes: *
Elisabeth and Merianna are reunited and it feels so good! They discuss finding reason, meaning, and purpose in writing in decisions we make as writers. They also discuss creating purposeful pauses rather than head-scratching confusion. They also ask how can I revise to achieve the effect I want in the reader?
- My Reviews Are Disappearing
- Amazon Reviews
- Chuck Wendig 1 Star Review of New Star Wars Book
- Aftermath
- Jane The Virgin
- Top Chef
What are Elisabeth and Merianna reading?
Thomas Whitley and Sam Harrelson discuss domestic terrorists and the Carolinas, the myths of American Progressivism, creation stories, Trump’s views of citizenship, hate licenses, and the soft cultural underbelly of fear.
Show Notes: *
Thomas Whitley and Sam Harrelson discuss the issues involved with marketing and personal branding in an academic environment, whether academics and graduate students should blog, the demise of peer reviewed journals and scholarship, and whether or not MOOCs were ever a good idea.
Show Notes: *
Elisabeth is joined by author Stacy N. Sergent this week (Merianna is out for family leave) to talk about great pups, NaNoWriMo, writing as a lonesome experience and also a communal experience, the role of editing, and the psychological flow of being a writer.
- Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
- How to be a Heroine by Samantha Ellis
- Devil in the Details by Jennifer Traig
- Sleeping with Cats by Marge Piercy
Elisabeth is joined by UNC’s own Molly McConnell this week (Merianna is on maternity leave). They dive deep into the nature of reading, writing, and spicy beverages.
- Elizabeth Gilbert’s
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the importance of including and invoking emotions in readers. They discuss what they have to overcome as writers in order to cause suffering for their characters and create whole, full characters. Of course, they also talk about dogs, leaf blowers, and Baby Harrelson imminent arrival (who arrived on November 12, 2015 after this show was recorded!).
- Creating Emotion in the Reader
- Writing Beyond Good
- Why is Emotion Important in Writing
- Scrivener
- NanoWrimo
What are Elisabeth and Merianna reading?
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about the power of collaboration, especially during NanoWrimo. They talk about how much confidence is instilled when you connect into a network of people. They also discuss how women writers have been made more of an appearance in the publishing world and why that is.
- Elizabeth Gilbert on The Late Show
- NanoWrimo
- Scrivener
- Write or Die
- Where the Boys Are Not
Thomas and Sam discuss the role of N.C. State as an upsetter along with the role of religion in presidential politics with talk about private and public hermeneutics of the 2016 candidates (and
Elisabeth and Merianna follow up their conversation from last week about the importance of protecting your content. Then, they recount their experiences at recent conferences and how they are learning that they need to be tougher with the authors they work with in order to help authors put their best work into the world. They also talk about upcoming NanoWrimo and their plans to write, write, write!
Show Notes * Wil Whea
Elisabeth, Merianna, and Sam talk about the commodity of content and how authors should disseminate that information. They advise authors that they shouldn’t help the rich get richer, but help build their own audience.
Show Notes *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about their upcoming conference and why they continue to work in the field of publishing. They also talk about what makes you an expert and when you can call yourself an expert. Elisabeth reminds them both that: “That’s what we do, make it possible for people to get published.”
Show Notes * Waze *
Show Notes * Great Dane Doesn’t Want to Get Up * Great Dane Doesn’t Want to Share Love * Collie’s Talking * Collie Singing to Puppy *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about building audience and expanding your market as a solopreneur. They talk about the stresses and joys of owning your business. They also talk about the progress in their own writing projects.
Show Notes * 5 Rules of Solopreneur *
Elisabeth and Merianna talk about developing the place as you write a manuscript and the dilemma of floating characters. They also discuss the stalling or need to take a break that comes after pressing send and how to overcome that and continue to write!
Show Notes * A Bug’s Life *